Tuesday 4 September 2012

The Prime Minister is facing questions from the states and territories about the lack of specific detail in her response to the Gonski report into education funding. Julia Gillard wants a new funding plan finalised by early next year. While all states and territories say they support improving education, some say that timetable is rushed. Others are questioning the long implementation schedule for the new funding model. More

A world first study of NATO soldiers returning from Afganistan has found they suffered cognitive impairment as a result of being exposed to combat stress. The area of the brain affected is the same as that affected by post traumatic stress disorder. More

The Federal Government looks set to announce the formation of a new national asbestos agency to oversee the removal of the toxic mineral from houses and other buildings around the country. Increasingly, victims of asbestos related diseases are younger, and suffering as a result of exposure in their own homes. More

A BBC investigation has found property and businesses of Egypt's ousted Mubarak regime remain unaffected by sanctions that were meant to quarantine the assets of the corrupt former leader, Hosni Mubarak, and his ruling circle. The UK government has been asked if it's more concerned with preserving links between it and the Arab financial sector. More

The Federal Environment Minister says he's received advice that he doesn't have the power to legally block the super trawler the Margiris. But he announced on the Q and A program last night that he will impose a series of strict conditions on its operations, and when asked if his restrictions could stop the trawler from being economical he said it was now a decision for the company whether it wants to go ahead. The Tasmanian businessman behind the ship was watching the Minister and has told AM the restrictions 'are quite reasonable' but he's raised concerns about the 'politicisation' of fisheries management. More

Queensland's Environment Minister Andrew Powell will meet with north Queensland councils today to discuss how to better manage crocodiles encroaching on towns. Locals are becoming increasingly concerned after a recent increase in crocodile sightings in urban areas of Cairns, saying that without better controls an attack on a human is increasingly likely. More

The Prime Minister is facing questions from the states and territories about the lack of specific detail in her response to the Gonski report into education funding. Julia Gillard wants a new funding plan finalised by early next year and is confident the reforms will be delivered. But she says there will be 'tough' budget choices to pay for the Government's spending programs. More

An Australian with a background in agriculture is the new leader of the Greens party in the UK. It's the first time a UK political party has been headed by an Australian, and Ms Bennett's thought to be the only UK politician who can claim to be able to shear a sheep. More

From the Archives

Around 500 Indigenous people fought in the First World War, and as many as 5,000 in the second. But many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diggers who made it home received little or no recognition for their contribution. On Anzac Day, 2007, the first parade to commemorate their efforts and bravery was held in Sydney. Listen to our report from that day by Lindy Kerin.